River North Apartments

Thinking about calling River North your new home? You’ve come to the right place. One of the best neighborhoods in downtown Chicago, River North is a favorite place to live for so many reasons.

Overhead view of Chicago River and its bridges and neighboring skyscrapers looking east, with Wells Street Bridge centered

Living in River North

UNIVERSITIES

  • Erikson Institute
  • The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

HOSPITALS

  • No major hospitals

HIGHWAY ACCESS

  • Interstates 90 / 94
  • Interstate 290

TRAIN STATIONS

  • Merchandise Mart Station: Brown/Purple Line
  • Chicago Station: Brown/Purple Line
  • Grand Station: Red Line
  • Chicago Station: Red Line

BUS ROUTES

  • Route 22
  • Route 36
  • Route 37
  • Route 65
  • Route 156

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Get To Know River North

The apartments for rent in River North will knock your socks off. Because the neighborhood is so urban and dense, you’ll find lots of mid and high-rise apartments. And you know what that means – room for tons of great amenities including rooftop pools, outdoor terraces and awesome views.

If you’re on the search for the best apartments in River North, our team has plenty of suggestions. The studio apartments in River North are totally bougie with modern kitchen spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Need something with a little more space? Rent a two or three bedroom luxury apartment with plenty of room for families, roommates or even a home office.

So which luxury apartments in River North Chicago are the newest, coolest and most popular? There are several buildings that are newly opened, including sky-high One Chicago and chic and sleek 369 Grand. Renters moving into these beauties get to enjoy that new apartment smell. Do you work from home? AMLI 808 opened in 2021 and has a co-working space that’s so sophisticated, you’ll log extra hours just to take in incredible views of downtown Chicago. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The best way to know which luxury apartments in Chicago River North are the best fit for you, is to work with a great leasing agent.

 

The Food Scene in River North

What’s the best part about living in downtown Chicago? The food! And River North’s got it all. From brunch to happy hour to late night cocktails, live in River North, and you’ll be able to walk your way through every cuisine under the sun.

If you’re wanting pizza, River North has got you covered, with no fewer than a dozen pizza joints in its borders. Get Chicago deep dish at Pizzeria Due, Detroit-style at Jet’s Pizza or upscale craft-style at Pizzeria Portofino.

Live in this vibrant neighborhood, and you’ve got the best bars in River North at your fingertips. Head to Arbella for crazy-good craft cocktails and delish small plates too. If a dive bar is more your speed, Shamrock Club is your new hangout! This classic bar serves up cold beer, cheap burgers and authentically Chicagoan atmosphere.

And you can’t talk about River North without mentioning Hubbard Street, an especially popular strip of bars and restaurants. From boozy brunches to happy hour to late night fun, there’s always something going on in this ‘hood.

Things to Do in River North

Choose to rent an apartment in River North, and you’ll never run out of things to do! Living in the heart of Chicago means you have everything that this great city has to offer, right in your very own neighborhood.

A perfect day spent here doesn’t need to be full of activities – simply strolling around River North and exploring nearby neighborhoods like Streeterville and Gold Coast is fun and always full of surprises. But, if you’re looking to explore some of River North’s neighborhood treasures, we’re here with ideas!

During the daytime hours, head to the Chicago River, which is on the neighborhood’s southern border. This area is always bustling with tourists seeing the sights, locals walking their dogs, and plenty of bars and restaurants. The people-watching is epic and is best observed from a restaurant patio with a cold cocktail in hand.

Want to have some fun on the river? Chicago’s popular architectural boat tours are super entertaining, whether you’re a local or tourist. Feeling adventurous? Get a group of friends together to rent kayaks. In the summer months, this awesome River North activity is popular, so be sure to make a reservation. Take in the incredible downtown views from the water, and snap some insta-worthy photos – they’ll be the envy of all your friends.

Once the sun goes down, check out the nightlife scene – it’s the best in the city! River North has a mix of rooftop bars, clubs, and hidden speakeasies. Check out underground gems like Untitled, chic hotel bars like The Moxy, and dance clubs like The Underground. Inside River North’s borders are some pretty awesome entertainment venues too. The House of Blues, The Bassment and Howl at the Moon are the best spots in River North to take in live music.

Fun Fact

Want a glimpse into River North’s past? Hidden prohibition-style speakeasies still exist in the neighborhood. Tucked away behind unmarked and concealed entrances, you’ll need to whisper secret passwords or navigate hidden passages to get in the door.

Shopping in River North

Move to River North, and not only can you call one of Chicago’s best luxury apartments home, you’ve got the city’s best shopping all around you too.

If you’re a shopping addict, living within walking distance of the famous Magnificent Mile might feel like a dream, but we promise it’s your reality when you rent an apartment near Michigan Avenue. From oh-la-la shops like Cartier to good old TJ Maxx, the variety of stores and boutiques in River North is impressive!

River North also has practical, everyday shops that make living in the neighborhood easy. There’s a small format Target on Ontario and LaSalle that’ll be your one-stop shop for everything from mascara to Ben & Jerry’s. Just up the street, a beautiful Whole Foods and friendly Trader Joe’s will have your kitchen stocked. And the seven pharmacies in River North mean that no matter where you decide to rent an apartment, there’s one within blocks of home.

River North’s Park and Recreation Options

Part of River North’s appeal is that it’s ultra-urban. Living amongst sky-high towers, historic brick mid-rises and packed restaurants – that’s what living downtown is all about!

But even the most hardcore city dwellers need to feel the grass between their toes once in a while. Chicago’s neighborhoods are known for their great parks and recreational spaces. And while River North has fewer parks than neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, there are spots to find a little solace.

Along the north branch of the Chicago River, you’ll find Ward Park. This sweet 3-acre park has space for your dog to run and a playground for the kids too. Bring a picnic blanket and watch the boats and kayaks float by.

And remember – the luxury apartments in Chicago’s River North are just blocks away from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take a mile walk west, through neighboring Streeterville, to hit up Oak Street Beach. If you’re renting an apartment in River North that allows dogs, nearby Lakeshore East Park is about a mile southwest and is a haven for four-legged friends.

Transit Options in River North

When you move into one of the great luxury apartments in downtown Chicago, you can ditch your car! Instead of paying for parking and dealing with traffic headaches, take advantage of the city’s public transit system.

Of course, if you work downtown, you’ll be able to walk or bike to work. But if you need to get out of the neighborhood, the River North public transit options have you covered.

The CTA Red Line runs up and down State Street, with two stations in River North – on Grand and Chicago. Five blocks west, you’ll hit the Brown and Purple lines on Franklin Street, with stations conveniently located at Merchandise Mart and Chicago. You simply won’t find a neighborhood in Chicago with better transit options.

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Find Your New Apartment

If you’re in the market for a luxury apartment in Chicago, you’ve landed in the right spot. At HotSpot Apartment Rentals, we’re experts in Chicago’s best downtown apartments and know each neighborhood in and out. Together, we’ll discover the neighborhood and apartment that fits your lifestyle, budget, wants, and needs.

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Disclaimer:

Pricing, availability, and specials are subject to change at any time and without notice. Photos may be of various model units, and apartment availability and lease terms may vary. Information is believed to be accurate; however, it is subject to errors and omissions.